Custom Gallery Wrap

Before Beginning Notice — This project will be very numbered detailed and even a little confusing at times. You must pay close attention to sizes. Knowing how to add and subtract numbers correctly is a must!

Process

You are to make a set of gallery wraps from one single image or multiple images that go together (must have instructor approval for multi images). Not just random photos, sizes, or people. Image(s) you choose need to be as large resolution size as possible. Screen captures or re-sized down images will not work.

Secondly you need to determine how many frames you will be making? Minimum is 3 and Maximum is 5. Making anymore than 5 gets very complicated, unless it’s part of a 2×3 design.

Lastly determine your sizes. Below is a chart showing panel sizes and overall sizing, this is just an example of sizing. For height maximum stick between 20 – 32 inches. Anymore than that you’ll need a LOT of help or a really big wall/room.

You are going to need three sheets of paper for the following:

Panel sizes

Wood length sizes for cutting

Digital file sizes

1st Sheet – Panel Sizes

On your first sheet of paper draw out your panels with dimensions. When you have all panels done add each of the width’s together and add an inch between each panel. Write that number in the top right corner of your paper. Below that number write the dimension of the tallest panel(s).

2nd Sheet – Wood Length sizes for cutting

From your first sheet write down the quantity and length of each of the longest pieces for each panel.

Example –One panel is 24″ x 20″. 24″ is the longest length of this panel. You would write down 2-24″ meaning there are two pieces that are 24 inches long.

You will do this for EACH panel.

Next go through and find the smallest length for each panel. Take the number and subtract 1.375 from that number. Then write down the total number of sides with that answer.

Example – One panel is 24″ x 20″. 20″ is the shortest length of this panel. You would subtract 1.375 from 20. You would write down 2-18.625″ meaning there are two pieces that are 18.625 inches long.

Again. You will do this for EACH panel.

Lastly to make this easier at cutting time. You are to add up all like sized pieces. Meaning if two or more of your panels are the same sizes add those together.

Example – Two of your panels were 24″ x 20″ you would then have 4 pieces that are 24″ and 4 pieces at 18.625″.

Before beginning the next section go to Templates & Graphics > Custom Gallery Wrap Example folder.
This will give you an idea of what the next two sections are about.

3rd Sheet – Digital File Sizes

This section you will be determining the file sizes for your gallery prints.

Return to your first sheet of paper. Take the each length and add 4.5″ to the measurement.

Example – One panel is 24″ x 20″. You would add 4.5″ to both sides giving you the measurements of 28.5″ x 24.5″.

Repeat this for each panel in your design.

Creating Digital Files

This section you will be creating files from your page 3.

Open Adobe Photoshop.

Choose File > New.

Input your width and height in inches. Input 200 for your resolution.

Save the file to a folder called Gallery Wraps.

Next you’ll be adding guidelines. You will repeat these steps 4 times (for 4 guidelines). And it will include you doing some math.

At the top of Photoshop choose View > New Guide.

Select Orientation Vertical and input 2.25 in, then click OK.

At the top of Photoshop choose View > New Guide.

Select Orientation Horizontal and input 2.25 in, then click OK.

Now take your overall width and subtract 2.25″.

Example –Your width is 28.5″ Subtract 2.25″ from that number. Giving you 26.25″

At the top of Photoshop choose View > New Guide.

Select Orientation Vertical and input 26.25 in, then click OK.

Now take your overall height and subtract 2.25″.

Example –Your width is 24.5″ Subtract 2.25″ from that number. Giving you 22.25″

At the top of Photoshop choose View > New Guide.

Select Orientation Horizontal and input 22.25 in, then click OK.

Save your file.

Now repeat these steps for each of your wrap sizes from your page 3.

Creating the Wraps Files

This section you will be creating files from your page 3.

Open Adobe Photoshop.

Next open the center frame file (most likely your largest canvas size).

Place your photo into the center of the canvas. Take note of what is being cutoff by the the layout.

You will begin opening each of the other files and laying out your image so that the sides of each image match with the other.

To make sure open ALL images using Adobe Photoshop. Once open choose Windows > Arrange > Tile All Vertically.

After all have been set up. Save each file as a JPEG. Then copy the JPEG images to the Templates & Graphics > Files for Printing folder. They can then be printed for canvas wraps.

Instructor Check OFF

At this point you will need to have your instructor sit down with you and your paperwork to check through your project before printing and cutting wood.

Making the Wraps

Once you have your images printed and cut from the print room the next step is making your frames.

Get with your instructor to have wood material cut to size.

Once wood material is cut put the material together and place wrap around wood frame.